なくてもいいDo not have to
なくてもいい says that an action is not required. It presents leaving the action undone as acceptable.
Removing a requirement
Use this pattern when a rule, request, or situation might make someone expect an action, but that action is actually optional. The speaker may be the person who sets the rule, or may simply be explaining the rule.
Saying that something is optional
Checking whether something is optional
In a question, the pattern asks whether it is acceptable to leave the action undone. This is a natural way to check a rule or requirement.
この欄は書かなくてもいいですか。
Do I have to fill in this field?
Analyzeはい、書かなくてもいいですよ。
No, you can leave it blank.
AnalyzeThe natural English question uses “Do I have to...?”, but the Japanese literally asks whether not writing is acceptable.
Permission to act versus permission not to act
With a positive te-form, てもいい permits the action. With the negative te-form, なくてもいい permits leaving it undone.
More examples
明日は早く来なくてもいいです。
You do not have to come early tomorrow.
Analyzeそんなに急がなくてもいいよ。
You do not have to hurry that much.
Analyzeここでは靴を脱がなくてもいいです。
You do not have to take off your shoes here.
Analyze昼ご飯は持ってこなくてもいいです。
You do not have to bring lunch.
Analyzeこの言葉は全部覚えなくてもいいです。
You do not have to memorize all of these words.
Analyzeこの書類はコピーしなくてもいいですか。
Is it okay not to copy this document?
Analyze